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–+ servings

Vegan Bolognese

A comforting classic packed with nutrition, this Vegan Bolognese is loaded with lentils and veggies, making it a filling and wholesome dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 1 medium stalk celery finely diced (1/2 cup)
  • 10 oz fresh mushrooms finely diced (or 1 oz dried)
  • 2 medium carrots finely grated
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced or crushed
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning or use 1 tsp each of dried oregano and basil
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp coconut sugar or sweetener of choice
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes or to taste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup apple vinegar or use more vegetable broth
  • 3 cups crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce or tomato sauce
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 leaf bay
  • 1 cup dry lentils I used brown, soaked
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce gluten-free if needed or tamari
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup plant-based milk
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 8 oz spaghetti gluten-free if needed or pasta of choice
  • Vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast to garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Soak the lentils in lukewarm water if using green or brown lentils. This step is optional; however, soaking helps them cook faster and improves digestion.
  2. Heat oil in a pan or pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, mushrooms, and carrots. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic along with the sweetener and all spices. Sauté for another minute.
  3. Add apple vinegar (or vegetable broth), crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and drained lentils into the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Bring everything to a boil before reducing it to simmer for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on those lentils!
  5. While your bolognese simmers, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions.
  6. Once the lentils are tender, add soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Mix plant-based milk with cornstarch until smooth; then add that mixture into your pot.
  7. Taste your bolognese and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  8. Spoon generous portions of lentil bolognese over your pasta in bowls and sprinkle on some vegan parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

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